Receptacle lid securing system, apparatus and use thereof

ABSTRACT

A receptacle lid securing system, apparatus and methods for securing a receptacle lid to a receptacle body. The system, apparatus and methods generally utilize a flexible strip of material having a at least a first securing means associated with a first end of the flexible strip and a second securing means associated with a second end of the strip. The first securing means is adapted to be secured to the receptacle lid and the second securing means is adapted to be secured to the receptacle body. The securement of the first and second securing means to the receptacle lid and receptacle body, respectively, associates the flexible strip with both the receptacle lid and the receptacle body, and thereby secures the receptacle lid to the receptacle body. The first and second securing means may suitably be an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a rivet-like pin adapted to be penetrably associated with the receptacle components, and the like.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a receptacle lid securing system, a receptacle lid securing apparatus and associated methods. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a system, apparatus and methods adapted for securely associating a receptacle lid to a corresponding receptacle body.

BRIEF DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

A receptacle system often include a receptacle body for the temporary storage of articles and a receptacle lid removably associable with the receptacle body for closing the receptacle body. Typical receptacle systems include, but are not limited to, trash receptacles, otherwise commonly known as trash cans, temporary storage receptacles, such as clothing storage bins, animal (e.g., dog, cat, livestock, etc.) feed receptacles, cat litter receptacles, and the like. A desired article and/or quantity of articles is placed in the receptacle body and the receptacle lid is applied to the receptacle body so as to completely enclose the article(s) in the receptacle and maintain the same therein. When a user desires to remove one or more articles from the receptacle, the user first removes the receptacle lid, removes the desired article and then reapplies the lid, thereby reclosing the articles remaining in the receptacle.

A commonly employed receptacle is the trash receptacle. Trash receptacles are used for temporarily storing articles of trash or refuse therein until the trash articles are removed by municipal trash disposal personnel. According to conventional use, a user fills the trash receptacle body with articles of trash, secures the receptacle lid to the receptacle body for, e.g., preventing access to the trash articles to destructive animals, and then positions the closed receptacle on a periphery of the user's lawn for easy access for the trash disposal personnel. Further according to conventional use, the trash personnel, when removing the articles of trash, remove the receptacle lid, haphazardly toss the receptacle lid to the ground, empty the contents of the receptacle body into a trash collecting vehicle, and then haphazardly reposition the receptacle body on the ground. Rarely do trash disposal personnel resecure the receptacle lid to the receptacle body. Accordingly, once the articles of trash have been taken, a user typically must expend undesired and potentially uncomfortable and/or difficult effort to collect the receptacle body and the receptacle lid and reattach the lid to the body. This effort often requires a user to adopt an awkward position in retrieving the lid from the ground, a position difficult or even impossible for many users to achieve. Additionally, given the light nature of these components and frequent windy weather, users must spend significant time searching for the components, especially the light receptacle lid given to easy buffeting by wind. Thus, there exists a need for systems, apparatus and methods for securing a receptacle lid to a receptacle body.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one example aspect, the present invention is directed to a receptacle lid securing system. The system generally includes a receptacle comprising a receptacle body and a receptacle lid, wherein the receptacle lid is associable with the receptacle body; and a receptacle lid securing apparatus associated with the receptacle body and the receptacle lid. The receptacle lid securing apparatus generally includes an elongate flexible strip of material; a first securing means, associated with a first end of the flexible strip, secured to the receptacle lid; and a second securing means, associated with a second end of the flexible strip, secured to the receptacle body.

In accordance with another example aspect, the present invention is directed to a receptacle lid securing apparatus for securing a receptacle lid to a receptacle body. The apparatus generally includes an elongate flexible strip of material; a first means, associated with a first end of the flexible strip, adapted for securing the flexible strip to the receptacle lid; and a second means, associated with a second end of the flexible strip, adapted for securing the flexible strip to the receptacle body.

In accordance with yet another example aspect, the present invention is directed to method for securing a receptacle lid to a receptacle body. The method generally includes the steps of: securing a first securing means to the receptacle lid; and securing a second securing means to the receptacle body. The first securing means is associated with a first end of a flexible strip of material and wherein the second securing means is associated with a second end of the flexible strip of material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and a more thorough understanding of the present invention may be achieved by referring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example receptacle lid securing system consisting generally of a receptacle and a securing apparatus, in which a lid is in a closed position and secured to a receptacle body, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the example receptacle lid securing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side and cross sectional view of the receptacle lid securing system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the securing apparatus of FIGS. 1-3; and

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded and partially cross sectional side view of the securing apparatus of FIGS. 1-4.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed according to the present invention are a receptacle lid securing system, a receptacle lid securing apparatus and methods for securing a receptacle lid to a receptacle body. The system, apparatus and methods preferably operate to maintain a receptacle lid in secured association with a receptacle body. Securely associating a receptacle lid to a receptacle body provides certain advantages, such as, for example, maintaining the receptacle lid in close proximity to the receptacle body. More specifically and with reference to an example trash and/or garbage receptacle system, securely associating the receptacle lid with the receptacle body simplifies organization of the receptacle lid and body, facilitates post-trash collection activities, especially by eliminating the need to search for and retrieve the receptacle lid, eliminates risk of loss of the receptacle lid, and the like. The system, apparatus and methods preferably utilize a flexible strip of material having at least two securing means each associated with opposite ends thereof, with one securing means being secured to the receptacle lid and another securing means to the receptacle body. This disposition of the securing means, by extension, enables communication of the flexible strip with both the receptacle lid and the receptacle body, thereby securely associating the lid to the body. The flexible strip may suitably include an interlocking assembly that provides for selective dissociation of the receptacle lid from the receptacle body once the securing apparatus has been associated therewith.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, disclosed according to an example embodiment of the present invention is a receptacle lid securing system 100. The system 100 generally includes a receptacle 140 and a receptacle lid securing apparatus 100. The receptacle 140 is preferably any conventional receptacle configured for the storage of articles, especially the temporary storage of articles, such as a trash receptacle, especially a polyethylene trash receptacle, and the like, and is preferably comprised of a receptacle body 142 and a corresponding receptacle lid 144.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the receptacle body 142 is a portion of the receptacle 140 that defines an inner cavity 154 for the storage of articles therein. According to an example embodiment, the receptacle body 142 is a generally rectangular member elongate along its longitudinal axis and is generally characterized by upright walls 141 and a bottom face 160 disposed generally perpendicular to the walls 141. The walls 141 and bottom face 160 cooperate to define therebetween the open inner cavity 154. The walls 141 generally include an outer surface 146 and an inner surface 148, and an upper portion 156 and a lower portion 157. The receptacle body 142 may suitably also include one or more handles 158 associated with any appropriate portion of the body 142, such as on one of the walls 141, especially the upper portion 156 and the lower portion 157, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The handles 158, if present, may suitably be provided as members integral with the body 142 by, for example, appropriate plastic molding techniques, or as a separate component securely associated with the body 142. The handles 158 may be especially useful in facilitating a user's manipulation of the receptacle 140.

The receptacle 140 preferably also includes the receptacle lid 144, detachably associable with the receptacle body 142, for alternatively enabling access to the inner cavity 154 and for closing the inner cavity 154. In connection with the receptacle's 140 exemplary operation as a trash receptacle, the lid 144 is especially useful in preventing access to the contents of the inner cavity 154 to disruptive and destructive animals, such as raccoons, squirrels, stray domestic animals, and the like.

The receptacle lid 144 preferably includes structure complementary to structure associated with the upper portion 156 of the body 142 for engaging the lid 144 to the body 142 and for maintaining the lid 144 thereon, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The lid 144 is preferably a generally rectangular member, more preferably a domed rectangular member having dimensions of similarity to that of the upper portion 156 so as to facilitate the engagement therebetween. One or more handles 162 may suitably be associated with the lid 144 for enabling is easy manipulation. Additionally, the receptacle lid 144 is generally defined by an outer surface 150 and an inner surface 152, aspects of which will be discussed hereinafter.

It is to be appreciated that the above discussion of the receptacle 140 is by way of illustration and example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The system, apparatus and methods of the present invention may be practiced with any suitable receptacle, such as, for example, a rectangular receptacle, a cylindrical receptacle, a laterally elongate receptacle, and any other suitable configuration of a receptacle featuring a receptacle body and a receptacle lid.

The receptacle lid securing system 100 also includes the receptacle lid securing apparatus 101 for securely associating the receptacle lid 144 to the receptacle body 142 and for maintaining the lid 144 in close proximity to the body 142. With reference to FIGS. 3-5, the securing apparatus 101 preferably includes a flexible strip of material 102 and at least two securing means 104 each associated with opposite ends of the strip 102. The flexible strip 102 is preferably an elongate strip of material of a given length capable of spanning from a desired portion of the receptacle body 142 to a desired portion the receptacle lid 144. The strip 102 is constructed and/or fashioned from any suitable material, preferably a durable material able to withstand repeated flexing and bending, adverse weather element exposure, torsional and longitudinal elastic deformation, chemical degradation, and the like. Additionally, the material is preferably odor-inabsorbant, thereby ensuring that the securing apparatus 101 does not adopt the typically fetid aroma of articles temporarily placed in the inner cavity 154. Preferable and example materials for the flexible strip 102 include, but are not limited to, nylon, durable cotton, non-woven materials, plastic, rubber, aluminum, an appropriate metal, and the like.

The flexible strip 102 also includes at least two securing means 104 each associated with opposite ends thereof, such as a first securing means 104 associated with a first end of the strip 102 and a second securing means 105 associated with a second end of the strip 102, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The securing means 104, 105 are any device, article, composition of matter and/or manufacture suitable for securely associating the flexible strip 102 to the respective receptacle 140 components. Suitable example securing means 104, 105 include, but are not limited to, glue, general purpose adhesives, epoxy, hook and loop fastener arrangements (e.g., those available under the trademark VELCRO), mechanical fasteners, and the like. It is to be appreciated that if an adhesive is employed, it preferably is one having an appropriate composition that enables it to strongly bond to the material, such as polyethylene, of the corresponding receptacle 140.

With particular reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, illustrated is an example and preferred securing means 104, 105 that generally includes a pin member 106 and a cap member 114 attachable to the pin 106. In a preferred embodiment, the securing means 104, 105 are each substantially identical to each other, in which case discussion of one securing means is equally applicable to the other. However, it is to be appreciated that the securing means 104, 105 may suitable be disparate devices. The pin member 106 is preferably a rivet-like fastener generally defined by a pin head 108 and a shank-like cylindrical projection 110 extending perpendicularly therefrom, which together cooperate to define a cross sectional T shaped configuration. The pin head 108 is preferably a generally flat, round disk-like member, but alternatively may be any of a known rivet configuration, such as oval, flat countersunk, truss, pan, tinners, and the like. Additionally, the head member 108 diameter and thickness may be of any suitable dimensions, which dimensions are preferably as small as possible so as to impart a low size profile on the apparatus 101.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the shank 110 is preferably an elongate right cylindrical member extending perpendicularly from the head 108 and is configured to be penetrably disposed through the receptacle 140 components, as will be more fully described below. Accordingly, the shank 110 is of a length sufficient to penetrate through the receptacle lid 144 and receptacle body 142 and extend therefrom with sufficient clearance so as to enable association between the cap 114 and the shank 110, as will also be more fully discussed hereinafter. According to a preferred embodiment, the shank 110, at a position distal to the pin head 108, terminates in a narrowly tapered and focused portion, such as a pointed portion 112, that facilitates the shank's 110 penetration of the various receptacle 140 components, as appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Further according to the preferred rivet-like securing means 104 example embodiment, the pin member 106 is securely engaged with the flexible strip 102 so that securement of the securing means 104 to the receptacle 140 associates the flexible strip 102 with the receptacle 140. According to a preferred embodiment, the pin 106 is associated with the strip 102 in a penetrating manner by which the shank 110 is disposed through and extends from one side of the strip 102 and the head 108 is positioned flushly against the other side of the strip 102, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Through this arrangement of components, the securement of the securing means 104 to the receptacle 140 in turn engages the strip 102 with the receptacle 140 by generally sandwiching the strip 102 between the pin head 108 and the receptacle 140 component.

The securing means 104 is preferably constructed from any suitable material, given the apparatus' 101 exposure to adverse weather and chemical environments. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel, steel, suitable alloys, durable plastics, and the like. Additionally, the securing means 104 may suitably be finished with any suitable material, such as black oxide, brass, nickel, passivation, tin, zinc clear, zinc yellow, zinc black, and the like.

The securing apparatus 101 preferably also includes the cap member 114 associable with the shank 110 of the securing means 104. The cap member 114 is generally engageable onto the exposed shank 110, preferably along its terminal pointed portion 112, and accordingly prevents injury resulting from accidental contact with the pointed portion 112. Additionally, the engagement of the cap member 114 with the securing means 104 ensures the secure integration of the securing means 104 with the receptacle 140 component. As will be more fully described, when the securing means 104 is associated with the receptacle 140 component, the pin head 108 anchors the securing means 104 on one side of the receptacle 140 component and the cap member 114, when engaged, anchors the securing means 104 on the other side of the receptacle 140, both of which anchors maintain a secure association of the securing means 104 with the receptacle 140.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cap member 114 is preferably a cylindrical disk-like member having a shank receiving aperture 116, a shank engaging portion 118, a receptacle engaging surface 120, and a pressure receiving surface 122. The shank receiving aperture 116 is preferably an opening fashioned into a lower surface of the cap member 114 and defines an opening into which the shank 110 is received when the cap member 114 is positioned on the securing means 104. The shank engaging portion 118 is preferably a portion integral with the aperture 116 and is defined by an angularly offset portion characterized by a pennate-like configuration adapted to resist separation of the shank 110 from the cap member 114. The shank engaging portion 118 preferably includes fingers inwardly projecting into the body of the cap member 114 that are disposed in a discontinuous or continuous funnel-like manner configured to facilitate the receipt of the shank 110 therein, but resist removal therefrom.

The cap member 114 also includes the receptacle engaging surface 120 for interfacing the cap member 114 with a surface of the receptacle 140 to which the securing means 104 is engaged, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The receptacle engaging surface 120 is preferably an annular, disk-like portion concentrically disposed about the aperture 116 and is preferably flat so as to securely position against the receptacle 140 in abutting relationship.

The cap member 114 preferably also includes the pressure receiving surface 122 for receiving user-generated pressure in applying the cap member 114 onto the shank 110. The surface 122 is any suitable surface, and preferably is a domed member disposed in opposing relationship to the aperture 116, so that pressure applied on the surface 122 generally translates as a force parallel to the shank 110 for facilitating insertion of the shank 110 into the aperture 116.

With reference to an example and preferred embodiment, the securing apparatus 101 may suitably also include an interlocking assembly 200 for permitting the selective dissociation of the receptacle lid 144 from the receptacle body 142 when the securing apparatus 101 is associated therewith. With reference to FIG. 4, the interlocking assembly may suitably be provided as a releasable buckle-like assembly, such as one available under the trademark SIDE SQUEEZE from National Molding, unlocking of which suitably separates the securing apparatus 101 into two components, namely a first component having a portion of the flexible strip 102 and the securing means associated therewith 104, and a second component having a portion of the flexible strip 102 and the securing means 105 associated therewith. Accordingly, when the securing apparatus 101 is associated with the receptacle 140, i.e., the securing means 104 is associated with the receptacle lid 144 and the securing means 105 is associated with the receptacle body 142, release of the interlocking assembly 200 suitably enables the separation of the receptacle lid 144 from the receptacle body 142 without requiring the dissociation of the securing means 104, 105 therefrom.

With continued reference to the preferred interlocking assembly 200 embodiment, the flexible strip 102 is preferably provided as a two component member having a first portion 210 with the securing means 104 associated with one end thereof, and a second portion 212 with the securing means 105 associated with one end thereof. Additionally, the interlocking assembly 200 preferably includes a male member 202 and a female member 204. The male member 202 is preferably associated with an end of the strip 102 first portion 210 distal to the site of association with the securing means 104 and is preferably provided as an elongate, generally rectangular member having a pair of release buttons 206 associated with opposite sides thereof. The female member 204 is preferably associated with an end of the strip second portion 212 distal to the site of association with the securing means 105 and is preferably provided as an elongate member having an open cavity adapted to receive the male member 202 therein. Additionally, the female member 204 preferably also includes a pair of apertures 208 associated with opposite sides thereof, which apertures interface with the male member 202 release buttons 206 to effect the securement between the male member 202 and the female member 204. The release buttons 206 are preferably provided as biased members that tend toward a laterally extended position and which are further compressible toward each other. Accordingly, in operation, the release buttons 206 are compressed toward each other and then the male member 202 is slid into and inserted into the female member 204 cavity. As the male member 202 extends into the female member 204, the release buttons 206 approach and become positioned along the apertures 208. Once so positioned, the release buttons 206 bias outward and occupy the apertures 208, thereby preventing the disengagement of the male member 202 from the female member 204 absent an application of force onto the release buttons 206 to overcome the biasing thereof.

It is to be appreciated that the interlocking assembly 200 may suitably be provided as any appropriate structure that provides the feature of enabling separation of the securing apparatus 101 as previously described. For instance, the interlocking assembly 200 may suitably be provided as any of a hook and loop fastener assembly (such as that available under the trademark VELCRO), interfacing button assemblies, and the like.

The present invention is also directed to methods for securing the receptacle lid 144 to the receptacle body 142. A preferred and example method generally operates according to the following nonexhaustive and illustrative list of steps. First, a user obtains the receptacle 140, preferably a trash receptacle, having both the receptacle body 142 and the receptacle lid 142. The user then obtains the securing apparatus 101 of the present invention and prepares the securing apparatus 101 for association with the receptacle 140. With reference to FIG. 1, the user secures the first securing means 104 to the receptacle lid 144. According to a preferred embodiment, the user pushes the shank 110 of the securing means 104 through the receptacle lid 144, thereby penetrating the lid 144 with the shank 110, so that the flexible strip 102 and pin head 108 are disposed on the outer surface 150 of the receptacle lid 144. More preferably, the user pushes the pointed portion 112 of the shank 110 through the receptacle lid 144. Even more preferably, the user first heats the shank 110 by a heat source, such as an open flame, a lighter, etc., and then drives the shank 110 through the receptacle lid 144. Heating the shank 110 facilitates its penetration of the receptacle lid 144, especially if the lid 144 is constructed from plastic, such as polyethylene.

Once the securing means 104 has been secured to the receptacle lid 144, the cap member 114 is preferably engaged with the exposed shank 110. As shown in FIG. 3, once the securing means 104 has been secured, the shank 110 is exposed along the inner surface 152 of the lid 144. Accordingly, the user retrieves the cap member 114, positions the cap member aperture 116 over the shank 110 and then applies pressure onto the pressure receiving surface 122 so as to securely engage the cap member 114 with the shank 110. Having performed these steps, the first securing means 104 is securely associated with the receptacle lid 144 in a configuration characterized by the strip 102 being disposed on the outer surface 150 of the lid 144 and sandwiched between the lid 144 and the pin head 108, and the cap member 114 being securely engaged with the shank 110 and in abutting relationship with the inner surface 152 of the lid 144.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the user then associates the second securing means 105 with the receptacle body 142. According to a preferred embodiment, the user pushes the shank 110 of the securing means 105 through the receptacle body 142, preferably in proximity to the body upper portion 156, so that the flexible strip 102 and pin head 108 are disposed on the outer surface 146 of the receptacle body 142. More preferably, the user pushes the pointed portion 112 of the shank 110 through the receptacle body 142. Even more preferably, the user first heats the shank 110 with a heat source, such as an open flame, a lighter, etc., and then drives the shank 110 through the receptacle body 142. Heating the shank 110 facilitates its penetration of the receptacle body 142, especially if the body 142 is constructed from plastic, such as polyethylene.

Once the securing means 105 has been secured to the receptacle body 142, the cap member 114 is preferably engaged with the exposed shank 110. As shown in FIG. 3, once the securing means 105 has been inserted, the shank 110 is exposed from the inner surface 148 of the body 142. Accordingly, the user retrieves the cap member 114, positions the aperture 116 of the cap member 114 over the shank 110 and then applies pressure onto the pressure receiving surface 122 so as to securely engage the cap member 114 with the shank 110. Having performed these steps, the securing means 105 is securely associated with the receptacle body 142 in a configuration characterized by the strip 102 being disposed on the outer surface 146 of the body 142 and sandwiched between the body 142 and the pin head 108, and the cap member 114 being securely engaged with the shank 110 and in abutting relationship with the inner surface 148 of the body 142.

With the above example steps performed, the receptacle lid 144 is securely associated with the receptacle body 142 by virtue of the securing means 104, 105 and the flexible strip 102. Accordingly, the receptacle lid 144 can be disassociated from the receptacle body 142 to enable access to the inner cavity 154 for, e.g., withdrawal of the articles stored therein. The disassociated lid 144 remains in proximity to the receptacle body 142 by the flexible strip 102 being associated with the lid 144 and the body 142 and facilitates easy retrieval of the lid 144 and its reassociation to the body 142. This benefit is especially advantageous in connection with the receptacle's 140 exemplary operation as a trash receptacle, according to which a user need not search for the receptacle lid 144 after the receptacle 140 is accessed by trash disposal personnel.

The securing apparatus 101 may be associated with the receptacle 140 components in an alternate example configuration. The flexible strip 102 may be disposed along the inner surface 152 of the receptacle lid 144 and the inner surface 148 of the receptacle body 142, with the pin head 108 of the securing means 104, 105 disposed along the inner surfaces 152, 148 and securing the flexible strip 102 thereto. Further according to this example embodiment, the shank 110 extends through the receptacle 140 and is exposed along the outer surface 146 of the receptacle body 142 and the outer surface 150 of the receptacle lid 144. The cap member 114 is positioned on the exposed shank 110 and accordingly is associated with the outer surfaces 146, 150.

With reference to an additional example embodiment, the receptacle lid securing system 100 of the present invention is suitably usable as a locking member in connection with a receptacle having a lid fixedly secured thereto. As conventionally known, certain types of receptacles, such as trash and/or refuse collecting receptacles are frequently provided in a configuration according to which a lid is pivotally associated with the receptacle through a hinge assembly integrally associated therewith. Accordingly, the securing system 100 of the present invention may suitably be associated with the hinged receptacle and lid for selectably locking the same. For example, the system 100 may suitably be associated with the lid and receptacle at a position generally in opposition to the hinge assembly. As long as the interlocking assembly 200 is in a secured configuration, the lid cannot be pivoted open, thereby preventing entry to animals, accidental discharge of the contents of the receptacle, and the like. Upon dissociation of the interlocking assembly 200, the lid is free to be pivoted open.

With reference to yet another example embodiment, the receptacle lid securing system 100 of the present invention is suitably also useful in a paired relationship in connection with a conventional receptacle and lid otherwise lacking an integral hinge assembly. For example, a first securing system 100 may suitably be associated at one position relative to the lid and receptacle, and a second securing system 100 may suitably also be associated with the lid and receptacle at a position generally opposite the first securing system 100. Accordingly, one of the systems 100 is useful as previously described in connection with providing a hinge-like assembly for the receptacle and lid, whereas the other system 100 is useful as also previously described in connection with providing a locking system for the lid and receptacle.

Although the invention has been described with regard to certain preferred example embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example only, and that improvements, changes and modifications in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A receptacle lid securing system comprising: a receptacle comprising a receptacle body and a receptacle lid, wherein the receptacle lid is removably associable with the receptacle body; a receptacle lid securing apparatus associated with the receptacle body and the receptacle lid, wherein the receptacle lid securing apparatus comprises: an elongate flexible strip of material; a first securing means, associated with a first end of the flexible strip, secured to the receptacle lid; and a second securing means, associated with a second end of the flexible strip, secured to the receptacle body.
 2. The receptacle lid securing system of claim 1, wherein the first securing means comprises an elongate cylindrical shaft member projecting perpendicularly from a first surface of a head member.
 3. The receptacle lid securing system of claim 2, wherein the first surface of the head member is disposed in abutting relationship to a first surface of the flexible strip and the cylindrical shaft member extends from a second surface of the flexible strip.
 4. The receptacle lid securing system of claim 3, wherein the cylindrical shaft member is secured through the receptacle lid, and wherein the flexible strip and the head member are disposed in proximity to a first surface of the receptacle lid.
 5. The receptacle lid securing system of claim 4, wherein the first securing means additionally comprises a cap member securely engaged with the cylindrical shaft member, and wherein the cap member is disposed in proximity to a second surface of the receptacle lid.
 6. The receptacle lid securing system of claim 5, wherein the second securing means comprises an elongate cylindrical shaft member projecting perpendicularly from a first surface of a head member, and wherein the first surface of the head member is disposed in abutting relationship to a first surface of the flexible strip and the cylindrical shaft member extends from a second surface of the flexible strip.
 7. The receptacle lid securing system of claim 6, wherein the cylindrical shaft member is secured through the receptacle body, wherein the flexible strip and the head member are disposed in proximity to a first surface of the receptacle body, wherein the second securing means additionally comprises a cap member securely engaged with the cylindrical shaft member, and wherein the cap member is disposed in proximity to a second surface of the receptacle body.
 8. The receptacle lid securing system of claim 1, wherein the securing apparatus further comprises an interlocking assembly that enables selective dissociation of the securing apparatus into a first portion comprising the first securing means and a second portion comprising the second securing means.
 9. A receptacle lid securing apparatus for securing a receptacle lid to a receptacle body, wherein the apparatus comprises: an elongate flexible strip of material; a first means, associated with a first end of the flexible strip, adapted for securing the flexible strip to the receptacle lid; and a second means, associated with a second end of the flexible strip, adapted for securing the flexible strip to the receptacle body.
 10. The receptacle lid securing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first securing means comprises an elongate cylindrical shaft member projecting perpendicularly from a first surface of a head member.
 11. The receptacle lid securing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first surface of the head member is disposed in abutting relationship to a first surface of the flexible strip and the cylindrical shaft member extends from a second surface of the flexible strip.
 12. The receptacle lid securing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cylindrical shaft member is adapted to be secured through the receptacle lid, and wherein the flexible strip and the head member are adapted to be disposed in proximity to a first surface of the receptacle lid.
 13. The receptacle lid securing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first securing means additionally comprises a cap member securely engageable with the cylindrical shaft member, and wherein the cap member is adapted to be disposed in proximity to a second surface of the receptacle lid.
 14. The receptacle lid securing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second securing means comprises an elongate cylindrical shaft member projecting perpendicularly from a first surface of a head member, and wherein the first surface of the head member is disposed in abutting relationship to a first surface of the flexible strip and the cylindrical shaft member extends from a second surface of the flexible strip.
 15. The receptacle lid securing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the cylindrical shaft member is adapted to be secured through the receptacle body, wherein the flexible strip and the head member are adapted to be disposed in proximity to a first surface of the receptacle body, wherein the second securing means additionally comprises a cap member securely engageable with the cylindrical shaft member, and wherein the cap member is adapted to be disposed in proximity to a second surface of the receptacle body.
 16. The receptacle lid securing system of claim 9, wherein the securing apparatus further comprises an interlocking assembly that enables selective dissociation of the securing apparatus into a first portion comprising the first securing means and a second portion comprising the second securing means.
 17. A method for securing a receptacle lid to a receptacle body, wherein the method comprises the steps of: securing a first securing means to the receptacle lid; and securing a second securing means to the receptacle body; wherein the first securing means is associated with a first end of a flexible strip of material and wherein the second securing means is associated with a second end of the flexible strip of material.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first securing means comprises an elongate cylindrical shaft member projecting perpendicularly from a first surface of a head member, wherein the first surface of the head member is disposed in abutting relationship to a first surface of the flexible strip and the cylindrical shaft member extends from a second surface of the flexible strip and wherein the step of securing the first securing means to the receptacle lid comprises the steps of disposing the shaft member through the receptacle lid and disposing the flexible strip and the head member in proximity to a first surface of the receptacle lid.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the second securing means comprises an elongate cylindrical shaft member projecting perpendicularly from a first surface of a head member, wherein the first surface of the head member is disposed in abutting relationship to a first surface of the flexible strip and the cylindrical shaft member extends from a second surface of the flexible strip and wherein the step of securing the second securing means to the receptacle body comprises the steps of disposing the shaft member through the receptacle body and disposing the flexible strip and the head member in proximity to a first surface of the receptacle body.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of engaging a first cap member with the cylindrical shaft member of the first securing means, disposing the first cap member in proximity to a second surface of the receptacle lid, engaging a second cap member with the cylindrical shaft member of the second securing means, and disposing the second cap member in proximity to a second surface of the receptacle body. 